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Charity lends a paw to former police dog
Police dog Nipper is back to his happy self after the lifesaving treatment.

Eight-year-old Nipper thriving after emergency surgery. 

A charity that provides much needed support to canine heroes and their owners has helped save the life of a former police dog who required emergency surgery.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is a national dog welfare charity that rehabilitates, protects and celebrates both serving a retired police dogs. 

At the end of 2024, the organisation came to the aid of Nipper, a former Norfolk Police dog, who had been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate and a potential tumour and cyst.

Not only did the charity offer to cover the cost of Nipper’s veterinary fees, but they also stepped in again when he became unwell earlier this summer with a blocked bladder.

Fellow police officers Ella and Dan, who adopted Nipper after meeting him while working, said: “We rushed Nipper into the vets at midnight because he was in a lot of pain. He ended up staying in at the vets for a few days which was really worrying. 

“The Thin Blue Paw was there for us again and stepped in to pay for the emergency surgery, at a cost of £1,000. Taking on a dog is a huge responsibility and a big financial commitment, none more so than a retired police dog. 

“Having the charity there to support them when they need it the most is a huge relief and brings us great comfort.”

Nipper joined Suffolk police when he was one as a general purpose dog, before moving to Norfolk police. He served for seven years before retiring at the age of eight.

Ella added: “We’re so grateful for the support and we’re pleased that Nipper has since recovered from the surgery and is now back to his happy self; wagging his tail and swimming in the sea.” 

Image (C) Thin Blue Paw Foundation.

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.